“Mā te tā, mā te karo e ora ai ngā pūkōrero.”
Twelve players from each Super Eight kura competed at the Super Eight Ngā Tākaro Māori event from the 19th to the 20th of February. Napier Boys’ High School had the honour of hosting this event for the first time.
The nature of this kaupapa was underpinned by manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. The mauri (essence) of this kaupapa (event) was cared for by all schools. It was encouraged for each kura to have a student speaker kōrero at the pōhiri.
The three tākaro Māori chosen were Kī-o-Rahi, Waka Ama and Horohopu. It was the hope that the number of Tākaro Māori will increase in time, further fostering and strengthening Tākaro Māori throughout our Super Eight schools.
Horohopu was an opportunity for all Super Eight schools to mix and combine. Whanaungatanga (establishing positive relationships with others) was very evident and benefited all schools.
A special must be made to Matua Pohatu Paku of Napier Boys’ High School and his staff for making this event a great experience for all involved.
Ka ara te rā ki runga o Pukemokimoki, ka tō te rā ki runga o Te Marae o Hine.
The photograph shows the Ngā Tākaro Māori team holding the taonga 'Te Kanae Kura.' Back row (left to right): Henare Te Whaiti, Taine Flutey, Tairawhiti Crosswell-Waaka, Honour Whānau, Api Kahukoti, Bailey Hakopa
Front row (left to right): Monson Brown, Ihaka Rapira, Rakena Te AweAwe Mohi, Hawaiki Docherty-Parete, Boston Maniapoto